More days had passed by. The hunting was only around the corner now, and I have been practicing shooting some arrows like crazy. I honestly feel like I have become a master of the bow now though. I mean, that's what they told me anyway, fufufufu~

Lost was playing with Amy and Lily in a place not far away from us. While Kai was silently watching the three of us shooting arrows and having a little competition on who would strike the nearest to the black dot. And for the record, I won thrice in a row~

'Aren't I too amazing?'

I might be the only one thinking that though...

Kai's deep blue eyes gazed up at us, "I want to learn too..."

Both Nathan and Uno, who were my mentor these days, look down at Kai. Those blue eyes of his shimmered like sapphire and I could not help but swoon at his adorableness. It seems to evoke the protective side of those who would look directly at it.

"Using the bow?" I asked and crouched down to his level..

Well, he's kind of too young to hold a weapon, ain't he? Ah-- no wait. I remember that children start their training at a very young age. Nathaniel's first time holding a sword was when he was nine anyway.

'Hmm, from where did that piece of information come from? Was that stated in the book? I can't remember...'

"If you want to learn, then learn about swords and be a knight," Nathan declared.

"A knight?" Kai's eyes swiveled at him. Poor boy, he was literally looking up at Nathan.

He could've just bent down at least so Kai would not hurt his neck and his eyes. The sun was glaring overhead you know!

"Yes. Be a knight and protect the kingdom with your life on the line," Nathan replied.

'Woah there, brother! What are you saying to our innocent Kai?'

"M-my life?" Kai's eyes widened like saucers.

'This poor child, getting traumatized by some words...'

"Brother, I don't think you should tell him this--"

"Offering your life for others' sake is the most valiant thing you could do," Nathan remarked, adding more fuel to the fire.

Welp! I got interrupted.

'But seriously, brother. Stop saying that!'

"T-then I will be a knight and protect Nadia!" Kai exclaimed. His face reflecting his determination.

'Aww~ That certainly brings me joy but don't listen to him! And don't just offer your life like that!'

I let out a tired sigh and shook my head. I seriously knew that this would happen! After all, the two of them have the same wavelength. They also share the same characteristics. If not for their appearances, they would pass as brothers, I swear.

Nathaniel nods in satisfaction, "You could do that, but the role of protecting Nadia is mine. Duel me if you want to take that privilege."

'What privilege?! And what duel are you saying?!'

Uno, who was standing behind Nathan suddenly snorted, then masked it with a cough afterward. But I could clearly see from the way his lips were quivering at the side that he was finding this conversation amusing.

'Even Uno thinks you're a joke, brother...'

"Duel?"

Kai was still looking up at Nathan, eagerly listening to him.

"A sword fight. If you win against me, then I will consider if you're capable enough to guard her."

Ahh... I give up.

And this guy. Challenging him in a sword fight? And if he wins he would consider? Might as well tell him to withdraw! The men of Hermans are all excellent swordsmen, how could someone defeat one? And he's the captain of the royal knights at that. Plus the fact that he is deemed to be the young genius in the family as well.

'What is this guy saying, honestly...'

Kai's face scrunches up as he thinks.

'Don't bother Kai...'

"Then teach me how to use the sword! Then I will fight you!" He declares after a moment.

"Excellent. Then prepare yourself," Nathan voiced out.

"Wait, just what is-- Oh, nevermind. Do what you want..." I grumbled and picked up my bow again.

Kai's head turned to me with this serious expression plastered on his face.

"I will defeat Nathan and protect you," he says and saunters off to the side with Nathaniel.

Uno gave me a sheepish smile as I shook my head while looking at the two. They were now deep in their conversation about sword-fighting stuff.

'Whatever, I'll just focus on archery...'

--------------------------*****

The night before the hunt, Nathaniel suddenly comes into my room. It was late as hell, and I was just back from the other room where I read the two children some bedtime story. And yes, he didn't knock.

Sighing, I placed down my hairbrush and stared at him with disproving eyes.

"Brother, can you please knock whenever you want to enter? Or at least give a warning! Don't just barge in!" I rambled on.

'What if he caught me in some uncompromising situation like me picking my nose? Or while I was having a debate with myself? Or if I were doing some voodoo shit in here? That would be embarrassing!''

Not that the latter would be happening in the future but I'm just saying!

Nathaniel innocently blinked at me like he doesn't understand why I was lecturing him.

'This...'

I heaved a deep breath, "What is it, brother? It's already late and I am going to bed now. The Hunt is tomorrow, you know."

Nathan cleared his throat and stood rigidly in front of the door. I stared at him, question marks all over my face. Then I noticed that one of his hands was behind him, and it seemed like he was holding something. My head tilted to the side, trying to see what he was hiding.

"What is it?" I asked for the second time when it looked like he wasn't going to move at all.

He then cleared his throat before he pulled his hand from behind him and gave me a... key?

'Eeh? What's this for?'

He opened the door after that and I thought he was going to leave me with just this key. But he went outside and pushed a big chest.

'What the...'